Warner Bros. Ocean’s Eight female ensemble continues to impress. Deadline reported this morning that along with Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina are in final talks to appear in Gary Ross‘ spin-off. Awkwafina, the stage name for American -Asian rapper/actress Nora Lum, recently appeared in Neighbors 2. While promoting Ross’ most recent film, Free State of Jones, Ross spoke about Kaling and Carter possibly joining the team (negotiations had already been rumored). Would you look at that? Dreams do come true!
They will continue to build the roster, as they are only wrapping up principal casting. Rumors suggest cameos from members of the original trilogy could be in the works. Ocean’s Eleven director, Steven Soderbergh, will produce the film. Ross co-wrote Ocean’s Eight with Olivia Milch.
Susan Ekins will executive produce and Jesse Ehrman will oversee the film for Warner Bros. They have been developing this film for quite some time. It’s reported that initial planning included Jerry Weintraub, a producer on the Ocean’s Eleven Trilogy, who sadly passed last summer.
Ocean’s Eight will give Rihanna another gold star on her resume. She most recently wrapped on Luc Besson’s 2017 Valerian and the City of Thousand Planets. She’s in great company, especially with Bullock and Blanchett at her side. With Oscars under their belts and Hathaway’s, as well as Carter’s two nominations, Ocean’s Eight is building a cast that perfectly reflects the respect and dignity that surrounds the Ocean’s franchise.
Conceived back in 1960, Ocean’s Eleven starred Frank Sinatra as Danny Ocean. The original has a renown that surrounds it to this day, pieced together with Sinatra’s crew, The Rat Pack – Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop.
At this rate, Ocean’s Eight will be another successful addition to the impressive long-loved heist franchise.
Leave a Comment